Mission Hope Cancer Center Patient Spotlight
Kaeli Smith: a breast cancer warrior
When Kaeli Smith, a new mother of a five-month-old baby boy, found a lump in her breast, at first the lump seemed to be a normal side effect of nursing. However, just before her 30th birthday, Kaeli was diagnosed with the unimaginable — stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer.
Throughout Kaeli’s cancer journey, she has been filled with gratitude for the medical and support professionals at Mission Hope Cancer Center. Kaeli explains, “I feel like I’ve really been held up by the team at Mission Hope since my diagnosis. As hard as it is to be in treatment, the nurses and doctors make you feel at home.”
In celebration of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Santa Maria Police Department transformed one of their operational vehicles into a pink beacon of hope to honor all local breast cancer patients. As the pink Santa Maria Police Department response vehicle visited Mission Hope Cancer Center in October, Kaeli was one of the cancer center’s patients to pose for a photo.
| In addition to the Santa Maria Police Department’s breast cancer awareness efforts throughout the month of October, the department also recently made a $1,500 donation to Mission Hope Cancer Center to show their support. Both Mission Hope Cancer Center and Marian Regional Medical Center are grateful that in the midst of the pandemic, the local police department is still keeping a spotlight on our community’s breast cancer patients. |
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“I never thought this could happen to me. It’s incredibly difficult, especially having a child, but I think the most important thing you can do is live in the moment.”
Awareness is crucial, because while it’s rare to see young women diagnosed with breast cancer, it is the most common cancer for young adult women, like Kaeli. “I have learned that about 40% of women find their cancers themselves, so I want to share the message of the importance of regularly doing self-exams,” concludes Kaeli.
To help support local cancer patients like Kaeli, please visit SupportMarianMedical.org/MissionHopeCancerCenter.
Community support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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| Toyota of Santa Maria organized their annual Pinktober Pumpkin Patch, with volunteers selling specially decorated pumpkins throughout the month. They donated $10,000. |
Poor Richard's Press donated half the proceeds of their special cancer-themed embroidered hats, water bottles, and tumblers in October. |
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| Stowasser Buick GMC donated a portion of the proceeds of every car sold in October, for a donation of $3,200. |
Local musician Richard Hernandez donated copies of his album, Suite for a Journey (Suite Para Un Viaje), to patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center. He also generously donated 100% of album sales proceeds in October to Mission Hope Cancer Center. |
Pacific Petroleum made a major gift in honor of the Cruzin' for Life family. |
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| Crisis Stabilization Unit tours |
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The Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation cordially extends an invitation to interested supporters and community partners to schedule private tours of the medical center’s new Crisis Stabilization Unit. If you have interest in receiving a tour of the Crisis Stabilization Unit, please contact the Marian Foundation at (805) 739-3595.
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| Amazon Smile: Make your shopping go further |
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This holiday season, visit smile.amazon.com and designate the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation, tax ID 95-3818027, as your charity of choice today! Be sure to enable “Amazon Smile” in your Amazon shopping app.
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